Ummm....years? |
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Films of 2012 I've Viewed
Normally, I'd put one of my disclaimers up for a post like this, but I'll forgo the verbose assault, as that's all been hashed out on this blog before. BOTTOM LINE: I don't endorse anyone seeing any of these films, no matter what the rating. Whether or not you watch a certain film is between you and the Holy Spirit. Capiche? And if you want to try to infer my level of spiritual maturity by what films I've viewed, that's your waste of time, not mine.
I'll keep this updated as we approach the eventual terminus of 2012. All movies are listed in order of release date. As expected, the only qualification is that the film had an original US release date in 2012. Try to guess which ones were my choices, which were Susan's, which were both, and which were the kids'. :-)
The Grey
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
The Hunger Games (IMAX)
I'll keep this updated as we approach the eventual terminus of 2012. All movies are listed in order of release date. As expected, the only qualification is that the film had an original US release date in 2012. Try to guess which ones were my choices, which were Susan's, which were both, and which were the kids'. :-)
The Grey
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
The Hunger Games (IMAX)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
On Soaps, Abbeys, and Television
For the record, I'll make my bias known up front: I enjoy British dramas, particularly those which are adaptations of classic literature. From Pride and Prejudice to Bleak House to more contemporary fare like Sherlock, if it's shown on Masterpiece on PBS, I'm generally there. So, when the first season of Downton Abbey made its American premiere on January 9, 2011, my wife (also a fan of British drama) and I were naturally on board.
Downton was undeniably a hit in Britain prior to making its way over to America, and once it arrived, it enjoyed nearly universal critical acclaim and widespread popularity, the latter of which being primarily attained via word of mouth. My wife and I ended up serving as evangelists of sorts for the show, recommending it to friends and family, all the while knowing the secret of its true nature. Oh sure, we tried to ignore this dreadful revelation by tucking it deep within the bowels of the formidable estate, but once we watched the second season last fall via the DVD set we imported from the U.K. (borderline addiction alert), we knew we could deny it no longer: Downton Abbey is more or less a glorified, albeit highly sophisticated, soap opera.
Those of you reading this who are Downton fans may have just winced a little. It hurts, I know. How could a show this good be so similar to soap opera fare? Downton is certainly no Salem, and Marlena does not live there, soon to be possessed by the devil, but let's face it: the confluence of nigh unbelievable circumstances on Downton Abbey, from relationships to machinations, says "soap opera."
But perhaps that isn't fair. Perhaps it's better to say that Downton Abbey has soap-operatic tendencies. I'll grant that, but I also submit for your consideration the following. The other day, I read a random review (I can no longer locate it) of a recent episode from the now-airing American edition of season two, and in the review, the critic was noting how the show is very much like a soap opera (This is not uncommon--numerous critics have pointed out the similarities). Some readers took considerable offense at such a comparison and expressed their displeasure in the comments section of the review. The critic responded with something similar to the following paraphrase: "I'm sorry, but a show that has a major, lingering plotline revolving around the death of a man mid-coitus is a soap opera." She has a point.
But should that bother us? Are the similarities between Downton Abbey and soap operas really that troublesome? They don't have to be. To be clear, most soaps are utter garbage with never-ending "storylines" that go nowhere, ridiculous plots, and wooden characters. The potential for anything meaningful or substantive to emerge in a soap opera is almost nonexistent, unless, of course, we're talking about anything involving Timmy from Passions, that great bastion of television excellence.
Just because Downton Abbey can, at times, be like a soap opera, doesn't make it one. And I think those of us who have watched it will agree that meaningful and substantive things have transpired on the show. Not that it actually needs a defense of its quality. That quality is self-evident. The problem, though, is that the confluence of circumstances (sometimes ridiculous) and the odd deus ex machina hamper Downton Abbey to an unfortunate degree.
I'm not talking about suspension of disbelief in general, mind you. That exists for almost any narrative. The issue is that trying to do too much kills narrative significance, so much so that it is often the determining factor between what constitutes a great show (like Downton Abbey) and an excellent show (like Breaking Bad). A narrative can be complex and done well, but it should not be needlessly complex. And "needlessly complex" is unfortunately the pitfall into which Downton Abbey succumbs--it falls victim to a grandiose intricacy that does not befit its narrative, thus sometimes producing a result that looks more like The Bold and the Beautiful than Pride and Prejudice.
Nevertheless, this should not deter our enjoyment. Downton Abbey is still immensely enjoyable, and I would continue to recommend it to anyone as one of the best shows currently on television. But the difference between enjoyment and quality, however nuanced it may be, is often present for any form of entertainment. Anyone serious about watching excellent television will tell you that The Wire is the greatest television show of all time, yet if most of them are honest, you'll get differing responses about what each person's "favorite" show is from the perspective of pure personal enjoyment (mine is Lost).
The point, then, is that it is within such a distinction that Downton Abbey ultimately lies, a high quality show still surpassed by others, but equally enjoyable, its occasional comparisons to lowbrow fare notwithstanding. High quality entertainment palatable to the masses: isn't that a good thing?
Downton was undeniably a hit in Britain prior to making its way over to America, and once it arrived, it enjoyed nearly universal critical acclaim and widespread popularity, the latter of which being primarily attained via word of mouth. My wife and I ended up serving as evangelists of sorts for the show, recommending it to friends and family, all the while knowing the secret of its true nature. Oh sure, we tried to ignore this dreadful revelation by tucking it deep within the bowels of the formidable estate, but once we watched the second season last fall via the DVD set we imported from the U.K. (borderline addiction alert), we knew we could deny it no longer: Downton Abbey is more or less a glorified, albeit highly sophisticated, soap opera.
Those of you reading this who are Downton fans may have just winced a little. It hurts, I know. How could a show this good be so similar to soap opera fare? Downton is certainly no Salem, and Marlena does not live there, soon to be possessed by the devil, but let's face it: the confluence of nigh unbelievable circumstances on Downton Abbey, from relationships to machinations, says "soap opera."
But perhaps that isn't fair. Perhaps it's better to say that Downton Abbey has soap-operatic tendencies. I'll grant that, but I also submit for your consideration the following. The other day, I read a random review (I can no longer locate it) of a recent episode from the now-airing American edition of season two, and in the review, the critic was noting how the show is very much like a soap opera (This is not uncommon--numerous critics have pointed out the similarities). Some readers took considerable offense at such a comparison and expressed their displeasure in the comments section of the review. The critic responded with something similar to the following paraphrase: "I'm sorry, but a show that has a major, lingering plotline revolving around the death of a man mid-coitus is a soap opera." She has a point.
But should that bother us? Are the similarities between Downton Abbey and soap operas really that troublesome? They don't have to be. To be clear, most soaps are utter garbage with never-ending "storylines" that go nowhere, ridiculous plots, and wooden characters. The potential for anything meaningful or substantive to emerge in a soap opera is almost nonexistent, unless, of course, we're talking about anything involving Timmy from Passions, that great bastion of television excellence.
Just because Downton Abbey can, at times, be like a soap opera, doesn't make it one. And I think those of us who have watched it will agree that meaningful and substantive things have transpired on the show. Not that it actually needs a defense of its quality. That quality is self-evident. The problem, though, is that the confluence of circumstances (sometimes ridiculous) and the odd deus ex machina hamper Downton Abbey to an unfortunate degree.
I'm not talking about suspension of disbelief in general, mind you. That exists for almost any narrative. The issue is that trying to do too much kills narrative significance, so much so that it is often the determining factor between what constitutes a great show (like Downton Abbey) and an excellent show (like Breaking Bad). A narrative can be complex and done well, but it should not be needlessly complex. And "needlessly complex" is unfortunately the pitfall into which Downton Abbey succumbs--it falls victim to a grandiose intricacy that does not befit its narrative, thus sometimes producing a result that looks more like The Bold and the Beautiful than Pride and Prejudice.
Nevertheless, this should not deter our enjoyment. Downton Abbey is still immensely enjoyable, and I would continue to recommend it to anyone as one of the best shows currently on television. But the difference between enjoyment and quality, however nuanced it may be, is often present for any form of entertainment. Anyone serious about watching excellent television will tell you that The Wire is the greatest television show of all time, yet if most of them are honest, you'll get differing responses about what each person's "favorite" show is from the perspective of pure personal enjoyment (mine is Lost).
The point, then, is that it is within such a distinction that Downton Abbey ultimately lies, a high quality show still surpassed by others, but equally enjoyable, its occasional comparisons to lowbrow fare notwithstanding. High quality entertainment palatable to the masses: isn't that a good thing?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
My Top Ten Favorite Films of 2011
You've waited, I've viewed, and now it's time for my top ten favorite film list. Like every year, it takes the early part of the new year in order for me to watch all of the films from the previous year that I wanted to see. As always, the rule for each year's "top" lists is that each item of media must have had an original American release date in 2011 (film festivals do not count).
Something to keep in mind with this "Top Ten" list is that the items appearing in it are my favorites and not necessarily the "best of..." from the standpoint of artistic merit. Although I consider everything I pick in this list to be of high artistic quality, all are ranked in terms of personal enjoyment. And now for the traditional excursus.
EXCURSUS ON THE VIEWING OF R-RATED MOVIES:
If one were to do a little research on the films within this list as well as the films in the list of all the films I viewed this year, he or she would discover that several have been given the rating "R - Restricted" by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This, then, could quite naturally lead to the questioning of whether it is appropriate for a believer to view R-rated movies. As the reader is no doubt aware, some believers choose (based upon personal convictions) to avoid viewing any R-rated movies whatsoever.
The difference between such believers and myself is quite simple: they are willing to let the arbitrary and often politically motivated decisions of a group of (presumably) unbelievers determine whether or not they will see certain movies, while I will not allow such decisions to determine what films I see. Some, I'm sure, will disagree with my characterization of the MPAA and attempt to laud it as "not perfect, but the best measure we have." Unfortunately, those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are arbitrary obviously have not seen enough films, and those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are often politically motivated are woefully mired in a painful naiveté concerning the way Hollywood operates. The reality is not only that some PG-13 movies should be R (The Dark Knight, for a prominent example) and some R movies should be PG-13 (this year's Of Gods and Men), but also that money and corporate "back-scratching" go a very long way in determining a movie's rating.
Because of these circumstances, I simply do not allow the MPAA to determine whether or not I see a film; I let God determine that. There is certainly much to be praised about researching a film's content before viewing it. I always do so in order to educate myself fully about the film and then allow the Holy Spirit to direct me in whether or not it is appropriate or beneficial viewing.
My point in saying all of this is that if you use the MPAA to determine whether or not you see a film, such a practice is certainly your prerogative, as is my practice of relying on case-by-case evaluation. But, please do not assume that my viewing of certain R-rated films is an accurate measure to determine my level of spiritual maturity; likewise, please do not assume that my viewing of any R-rated film necessarily constitutes my endorsement of the film for viewing by every Christian. And with that, it is now time for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "Top Ten Favorite Films of 2011" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual films themselves or the characters, the dialogue, the actions, the theological implications, and/or the profanities/obscenities that are portrayed therein. Because both art and film as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these films or their contents are interpreted by the viewer/reader. Any conclusion (about the films themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the viewer/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Finally, on to the show.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Films of 2011
10. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo -- Rated "R" (and a very hard "R," I might add)
More faithful to the tone and feel of the novel than the Swedish film. Directed by Fincher. Just as dark as you would expect. Not for the faint of heart. Do your homework before deciding whether to watch. Caveat spectator. I'll leave it at that.
9. Melancholia -- Rated "R"
Melancholia and The Tree of Life have the distinct honors of being the hardest films of 2011 to watch, "hardest," of course, meaning that they are quite taxing and require the most from the viewer due to how unconventional they are. While I am not at all a fan of Lars von Trier's other films, Melancholia is an exquisite, beautifully shot work of art, a take on "the end of the world" unlike any other. Parts of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde are beautifully interwoven into the score, and as it sets the tone for the entire film, the music conveys an eerily odd mixture of majesty and tragedy. This is easily the best performance of Kirsten Dunst's career, and she truly shines as Justine, a young bride whose own "melancholia" parallels the impending doom brought by the planet of the same name.
8. Moneyball -- Rated "PG-13"
I have to admit that I had never heard of Moneyball until about one month prior to its release. While I'm not particularly an aficionado of sports films, I do appreciate the occasionally well done sports film that also tells a unique story, and Moneyball more than meets both criteria. Brad Pitt gives the best performance of his career as Billy Beane, a general manager for the Oakland Athletics, who forever changed the way baseball recruiting is done in the major leagues.
7. Of Gods and Men -- Rated "R" (you can curse the caprice of the MPAA for this one--a minor "R" indeed)
(Technically, Of Gods and Men was originally released in France in 2010, but it did not see a normal American release in theaters until early 2011, hence its inclusion in this year's list.)
Telling the true story of the French monks who lived at the monastery in Tibhirine, Algeria in 1996, Of Gods and Men is a powerful story of true faith in the face of dire circumstances. As one can surmise from the trailer, the central issue in the film is whether the monks should leave the monastery due to the danger they know is coming, thereby ensuring their personal safety, or if they should stay and continue serving the physical and spiritual needs of the people to whom they have been ministering for many years. Of Gods and Men is a moving film, and one that truly challenges the Christian viewer to evaluate his or her own priorities.
6. Drive -- Rated "R"
I'll just state this upfront: I like Ryan Gosling. I hate the film The Notebook , mind you, but Ryan Gosling is a good actor whose career is really beginning to flourish. And while he is the main character of Drive , it can be argued that the "character" who gives him a run for his money is the film's mood and overall look, which are so European that they practically ooze the entire continent out of the screen. Nicolas Winding Refn does an amazing job directing his first American film, as he paints a portrait of a young man whose one skill potentially becomes his and others' undoing. I just wish I could rock that scorpion jacket as well as Gosling does. :-)
5. Midnight in Paris -- Rated "PG-13"
Woody Allen returns with yet another film of auteur brilliance. The screenplay for Midnight in Paris is excellent: witty, dialogue-heavy, and full of character. Owen Wilson is the perfect choice for the character he plays, a writer whose trip to Paris for inspiration takes him on quite an unexpected journey. We're in Annie Hall and Manhattan territory with this film, and that's some good company.
4. Hugo -- Rated "PG"
Assuming that I had never heard of Hugo , just walked into the theater one day and watched it, and that after watching I was told it was directed by Scorsese, I would have laughed. Most of you who follow film with any regularity probably understand why. Out of all of Scorsese's work, this is undoubtedly the most non-Scorsese Scorsese film, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Though I've never read the children's book on which Hugo is based (so I have no point of comparison), from what I understand, Scorsese has done a faithful job with the material. As a standalone film, it is an excellent, well-acted love letter to the history of cinema, and whether you are a film buff or not, it can be appreciated by all viewers. More on love letters to cinema with my #1 pick...
3. The Tree of Life -- Rated "PG-13"
Ah, yes, Terrence Malick. Malick is one of the most gifted directors, yet he has only directed five films in his nearly forty-year career. What's more, his films are some of the most taxing out there, and The Tree of Life is certainly no exception. You might have read in the news that there were many walkouts, and while this may come across as arrogant, it is nonetheless true: most American moviegoers today do not possess what it takes to appreciate works of art like these. Your typical moviegoer has been spoon-fed by Hollywood what a "movie" is supposed to be like, and when something comes along that deviates too far from that norm, it is usually rejected. The Tree of Life defies explanation and description, yet it is one of the most profoundly moving visual feasts I have ever seen.
2. The Descendants -- Rated "R"
One part drama and one part dark comedy, The Descendants seemingly came out of nowhere and immediately jumped into many "top ten" film lists for 2011. Alexander Payne directs George Clooney in the best performance of his career (what is it with all these "career best performances" this year?) as Matt King, a Hawaiian lawyer whose life was already with issues surrounding his daughters, but spirals downward after an accident puts his wife into a coma. Well written, well acted, well directed. A trifecta of greatness this year, surpassed only by...
1. The Artist -- Rated "PG-13"
Many have commented already on how amazing it is that The Artist was even made, and they are absolutely correct. The fact that a silent movie with two French stars hardly any Americans had ever heard of could get bankrolled in the current Hollywood climate (Hollywood takes precious few risks these days) is nothing short of miraculous. We all can rejoice in the good fortune bestowed upon us as moviegoers in the form of The Artist. If Hugo was a love letter to the history of cinema, then The Artist is perhaps the ultimate love letter. How incredible it is that words are unneeded in a film this wonderful.
Honorable Mentions
War Horse -- Rated "PG-13"
Like Crazy -- Rated "PG-13"
The Muppets -- Rated "PG"
Films of 2011 I Viewed:
Gnomeo & Juliet
Of Gods and Men
The Adjustment Bureau
Jane Eyre
The Lincoln Lawyer
Source Code
Rio
Thor
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Midnight in Paris
The Tree of Life
X-Men: First Class
Super 8 (IMAX)
Cars 2
Larry Crowne
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2
Captain America: The First Avenger
Crazy, Stupid, Love
The Help
Drive
Moneyball
Courageous
The Ides of March
Like Crazy
Melancholia
The Descendants
Hugo (3D)
The Muppets
The Artist
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol (IMAX)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
We Bought a Zoo
War Horse
Something to keep in mind with this "Top Ten" list is that the items appearing in it are my favorites and not necessarily the "best of..." from the standpoint of artistic merit. Although I consider everything I pick in this list to be of high artistic quality, all are ranked in terms of personal enjoyment. And now for the traditional excursus.
EXCURSUS ON THE VIEWING OF R-RATED MOVIES:
If one were to do a little research on the films within this list as well as the films in the list of all the films I viewed this year, he or she would discover that several have been given the rating "R - Restricted" by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This, then, could quite naturally lead to the questioning of whether it is appropriate for a believer to view R-rated movies. As the reader is no doubt aware, some believers choose (based upon personal convictions) to avoid viewing any R-rated movies whatsoever.
The difference between such believers and myself is quite simple: they are willing to let the arbitrary and often politically motivated decisions of a group of (presumably) unbelievers determine whether or not they will see certain movies, while I will not allow such decisions to determine what films I see. Some, I'm sure, will disagree with my characterization of the MPAA and attempt to laud it as "not perfect, but the best measure we have." Unfortunately, those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are arbitrary obviously have not seen enough films, and those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are often politically motivated are woefully mired in a painful naiveté concerning the way Hollywood operates. The reality is not only that some PG-13 movies should be R (The Dark Knight, for a prominent example) and some R movies should be PG-13 (this year's Of Gods and Men), but also that money and corporate "back-scratching" go a very long way in determining a movie's rating.
Because of these circumstances, I simply do not allow the MPAA to determine whether or not I see a film; I let God determine that. There is certainly much to be praised about researching a film's content before viewing it. I always do so in order to educate myself fully about the film and then allow the Holy Spirit to direct me in whether or not it is appropriate or beneficial viewing.
My point in saying all of this is that if you use the MPAA to determine whether or not you see a film, such a practice is certainly your prerogative, as is my practice of relying on case-by-case evaluation. But, please do not assume that my viewing of certain R-rated films is an accurate measure to determine my level of spiritual maturity; likewise, please do not assume that my viewing of any R-rated film necessarily constitutes my endorsement of the film for viewing by every Christian. And with that, it is now time for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "Top Ten Favorite Films of 2011" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual films themselves or the characters, the dialogue, the actions, the theological implications, and/or the profanities/obscenities that are portrayed therein. Because both art and film as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these films or their contents are interpreted by the viewer/reader. Any conclusion (about the films themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the viewer/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Finally, on to the show.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Films of 2011
10. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo -- Rated "R" (and a very hard "R," I might add)
More faithful to the tone and feel of the novel than the Swedish film. Directed by Fincher. Just as dark as you would expect. Not for the faint of heart. Do your homework before deciding whether to watch. Caveat spectator. I'll leave it at that.
9. Melancholia -- Rated "R"
Melancholia and The Tree of Life have the distinct honors of being the hardest films of 2011 to watch, "hardest," of course, meaning that they are quite taxing and require the most from the viewer due to how unconventional they are. While I am not at all a fan of Lars von Trier's other films, Melancholia is an exquisite, beautifully shot work of art, a take on "the end of the world" unlike any other. Parts of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde are beautifully interwoven into the score, and as it sets the tone for the entire film, the music conveys an eerily odd mixture of majesty and tragedy. This is easily the best performance of Kirsten Dunst's career, and she truly shines as Justine, a young bride whose own "melancholia" parallels the impending doom brought by the planet of the same name.
8. Moneyball -- Rated "PG-13"
I have to admit that I had never heard of Moneyball until about one month prior to its release. While I'm not particularly an aficionado of sports films, I do appreciate the occasionally well done sports film that also tells a unique story, and Moneyball more than meets both criteria. Brad Pitt gives the best performance of his career as Billy Beane, a general manager for the Oakland Athletics, who forever changed the way baseball recruiting is done in the major leagues.
7. Of Gods and Men -- Rated "R" (you can curse the caprice of the MPAA for this one--a minor "R" indeed)
(Technically, Of Gods and Men was originally released in France in 2010, but it did not see a normal American release in theaters until early 2011, hence its inclusion in this year's list.)
Telling the true story of the French monks who lived at the monastery in Tibhirine, Algeria in 1996, Of Gods and Men is a powerful story of true faith in the face of dire circumstances. As one can surmise from the trailer, the central issue in the film is whether the monks should leave the monastery due to the danger they know is coming, thereby ensuring their personal safety, or if they should stay and continue serving the physical and spiritual needs of the people to whom they have been ministering for many years. Of Gods and Men is a moving film, and one that truly challenges the Christian viewer to evaluate his or her own priorities.
6. Drive -- Rated "R"
I'll just state this upfront: I like Ryan Gosling. I hate the film The Notebook , mind you, but Ryan Gosling is a good actor whose career is really beginning to flourish. And while he is the main character of Drive , it can be argued that the "character" who gives him a run for his money is the film's mood and overall look, which are so European that they practically ooze the entire continent out of the screen. Nicolas Winding Refn does an amazing job directing his first American film, as he paints a portrait of a young man whose one skill potentially becomes his and others' undoing. I just wish I could rock that scorpion jacket as well as Gosling does. :-)
5. Midnight in Paris -- Rated "PG-13"
Woody Allen returns with yet another film of auteur brilliance. The screenplay for Midnight in Paris is excellent: witty, dialogue-heavy, and full of character. Owen Wilson is the perfect choice for the character he plays, a writer whose trip to Paris for inspiration takes him on quite an unexpected journey. We're in Annie Hall and Manhattan territory with this film, and that's some good company.
4. Hugo -- Rated "PG"
Assuming that I had never heard of Hugo , just walked into the theater one day and watched it, and that after watching I was told it was directed by Scorsese, I would have laughed. Most of you who follow film with any regularity probably understand why. Out of all of Scorsese's work, this is undoubtedly the most non-Scorsese Scorsese film, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Though I've never read the children's book on which Hugo is based (so I have no point of comparison), from what I understand, Scorsese has done a faithful job with the material. As a standalone film, it is an excellent, well-acted love letter to the history of cinema, and whether you are a film buff or not, it can be appreciated by all viewers. More on love letters to cinema with my #1 pick...
3. The Tree of Life -- Rated "PG-13"
Ah, yes, Terrence Malick. Malick is one of the most gifted directors, yet he has only directed five films in his nearly forty-year career. What's more, his films are some of the most taxing out there, and The Tree of Life is certainly no exception. You might have read in the news that there were many walkouts, and while this may come across as arrogant, it is nonetheless true: most American moviegoers today do not possess what it takes to appreciate works of art like these. Your typical moviegoer has been spoon-fed by Hollywood what a "movie" is supposed to be like, and when something comes along that deviates too far from that norm, it is usually rejected. The Tree of Life defies explanation and description, yet it is one of the most profoundly moving visual feasts I have ever seen.
2. The Descendants -- Rated "R"
One part drama and one part dark comedy, The Descendants seemingly came out of nowhere and immediately jumped into many "top ten" film lists for 2011. Alexander Payne directs George Clooney in the best performance of his career (what is it with all these "career best performances" this year?) as Matt King, a Hawaiian lawyer whose life was already with issues surrounding his daughters, but spirals downward after an accident puts his wife into a coma. Well written, well acted, well directed. A trifecta of greatness this year, surpassed only by...
1. The Artist -- Rated "PG-13"
Many have commented already on how amazing it is that The Artist was even made, and they are absolutely correct. The fact that a silent movie with two French stars hardly any Americans had ever heard of could get bankrolled in the current Hollywood climate (Hollywood takes precious few risks these days) is nothing short of miraculous. We all can rejoice in the good fortune bestowed upon us as moviegoers in the form of The Artist. If Hugo was a love letter to the history of cinema, then The Artist is perhaps the ultimate love letter. How incredible it is that words are unneeded in a film this wonderful.
Honorable Mentions
War Horse -- Rated "PG-13"
Like Crazy -- Rated "PG-13"
The Muppets -- Rated "PG"
Films of 2011 I Viewed:
Gnomeo & Juliet
Of Gods and Men
The Adjustment Bureau
Jane Eyre
The Lincoln Lawyer
Source Code
Rio
Thor
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Midnight in Paris
The Tree of Life
X-Men: First Class
Super 8 (IMAX)
Cars 2
Larry Crowne
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2
Captain America: The First Avenger
Crazy, Stupid, Love
The Help
Drive
Moneyball
Courageous
The Ides of March
Like Crazy
Melancholia
The Descendants
Hugo (3D)
The Muppets
The Artist
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol (IMAX)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
We Bought a Zoo
War Horse
Monday, January 23, 2012
Films of 2011 I've Viewed
Normally, I'd put one of my disclaimers up for a post like this, but I'll forgo the verbose assault, as that's all been hashed out on this blog before. BOTTOM LINE: I don't endorse anyone seeing any of these films, no matter what the rating. Whether or not you watch a certain film is between you and the Holy Spirit. Capiche? And if you want to try to infer my level of spiritual maturity by what films I've viewed, that's your waste of time, not mine.
I'll keep this updated as we approach the eventual terminus of 2011. All movies are listed in order of release date. As expected, the only qualification is that the film had an original US release date in 2011. Try to guess which ones were my choices, which were Susan's, which were both, and which were the kids'. :-)
Gnomeo & Juliet
Of Gods and Men
The Adjustment Bureau
Jane Eyre
The Lincoln Lawyer
Source Code
Rio
Thor
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Midnight in Paris
The Tree of Life
X-Men: First Class
Super 8 (IMAX)
Cars 2
Larry Crowne
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2
Captain America: The First Avenger
The Help
Drive
Moneyball
Courageous
The Ides of March
Like Crazy
Melancholia
The Descendants
Hugo (3D)
The Muppets
The Artist
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol (IMAX)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
We Bought a Zoo
War Horse
I'll keep this updated as we approach the eventual terminus of 2011. All movies are listed in order of release date. As expected, the only qualification is that the film had an original US release date in 2011. Try to guess which ones were my choices, which were Susan's, which were both, and which were the kids'. :-)
Gnomeo & Juliet
Of Gods and Men
The Adjustment Bureau
Jane Eyre
The Lincoln Lawyer
Source Code
Rio
Thor
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Midnight in Paris
The Tree of Life
X-Men: First Class
Super 8 (IMAX)
Cars 2
Larry Crowne
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2
Captain America: The First Avenger
The Help
Drive
Moneyball
Courageous
The Ides of March
Like Crazy
Melancholia
The Descendants
Hugo (3D)
The Muppets
The Artist
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol (IMAX)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
We Bought a Zoo
War Horse
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
My Video Game Collection
I decided to list every video game that I currently own. The results are...well, I'll just let you see for yourself.
Current as of 11/30/11
Note: Downloadable titles are subject to some inaccuracy, as it is hard to keep up consistently with what titles I have downloaded and for what platform.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Chrono Trigger
EarthBound
Final Fantasy II (Final Fantasy IV under Japanese numbering of releases)
Final Fantasy III (Final Fantasy VI under Japanese numbering of releases)
Super Mario World
Nintendo Gameboy
Tetris
Nintendo Gameboy Color
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
Sony Playstation (PSX)
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Chrono Cross
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy Anthology
Final Fantasy Chronicles
Final Fantasy Origins
Final Fantasy Tactics
Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto: London
Grand Theft Auto 2
Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete
Medal of Honor
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions
Parasite Eve
Tomb Raider
Vagrant Story
Xenogears
Nintendo Gameboy Advance (GBA)
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls
Final Fantasy IV Advance
Final Fantasy V Advance
Final Fantasy VI Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: Four Swords
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Super Mario Advance
Super Mario Bros. 3: Super Mario Advance 4
Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!
Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3
Sony Playstation 2 (PS2)
Amplitude
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy XI Online
Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia
Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan
Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition
Frequency
God of War
God of War II
Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s
ICO
Katamari Damacy
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Limited Edition
Okami
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Rez
Shadow of the Colossus
SSX 3
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
Microsoft Xbox
Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo 2
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Sony Playstation Portable (PSP)
Dissidia Final Fantasy
Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy II
Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Lumines
Rock Band Unplugged
Wipeout Pure
Nintendo DS
Chrono Trigger
Elite Beat Agents
Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
Game & Watch Collection
Game & Watch Collection 2
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
Mario Kart DS
The World Ends with You
Nintendo DSiWare (downloadable titles for the DSi)
Alt-Play: Jason Rohrer Anthology
Flipnote Studio
Photo Dojo
WarioWare: Snapped!
Nintendo Wii
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Mario Kart Wii
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Punch-Out!!
Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Wii Fit Plus
Wii Sports
Wii Sports Resort
Nintendo Wii Virtual Console (downloadable titles originally released on past systems)
Bonk's Adventure
Castlevania
Chrono Trigger
Contra III: The Alien Wars
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Donkey Kong Jr.
Elevator Action
Excitebike
Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy II (Final Fantasy IV under Japanese numbering of releases)
F-Zero
F-Zero X
Final Fight
Galaga
Golden Axe
Gradius
Gunstar Heroes
Ice Hockey
Kid Icarus
Kirby's Adventure
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Mario Bros.
Mario Kart 64
Mega Man
Metroid
Military Madness
Milon's Secret Castle
Ninja Gaiden
Pac-Man
Paper Mario
Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
River City Ransom
Shining Force
Sonic the Hedgehog
Star Fox 64
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
Super Castlevania 4
Super Mario 64
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
Super Mario Kart
Super Mario World
Super Metroid
Tecmo Bowl
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Wave Race 64
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Nintendo WiiWare (downloadable titles made for the Wii)
Cave Story
Dr. Mario Online Rx
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Grill-off with Ultra Hand!
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 4: Dangeresque 3
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough
World of Goo
Microsoft Xbox 360
AC/DC Live Rock Band Track Pack
The Beatles: Rock Band
BioShock Limited Edition
BioShock 2 Special Edition
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Limited Collector's Edition
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition
Catherine
Child of Eden
Dance Central
Dance Central 2
DJ Hero: Renegade Edition
DJ Hero 2
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Collector's Edition
Fable II Limited Collector's Edition
Fable III Limited Collector's Edition
Fallout 3 Collector's Edition
Fallout: New Vegas Collector's Edition
Final Fantasy XI Online
Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess
Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Collection
Final Fantasy XIII
Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition
Halo 3 Legendary Edition
Halo 3: ODST
Halo: Reach Legendary Edition
Halo Wars Limited Edition
Kinect Adventures
L.A. Noire
Left 4 Dead 2
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Lego Rock Band
LOST: Via Domus
Mass Effect Limited Collector's Edition
Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition
The Orange Box
Portal 2
Red Dead Redemption Special Edition
Rock Band
Rock Band 2
Rock Band 3
Rock Band Country Track Pack
Microsoft Xbox Live Arcade (downloadable titles: some original, some originally released on past systems)
Aegis Wing
Alien Hominid HD
Bastion
Bionic Commando: Rearmed
Beyond Good & Evil HD
Braid
Call of Duty Classic
Carcassonne
Castle Crashers
Catan
Contra
Dash of Destruction
DIG DUG
Doritos Crash Course
Double Dragon
Every Extend Extra Extreme
Fable II Pub Games
Fruit Ninja Kinect
Full House Poker
Gauntlet
Geometry Wars
Hardwood Spades
Harm's Way
Hexic HD
Ikaruga
Limbo
Lumines Live!
Mega Man 9
Mega Man 10
Missile Command
Pac-Man
Pac-Man C.E.
Pac-Man C.E. DX
Peggle
Pinball FX
Pinball FX 2
Portal: Still Alive
Prince of Persia
Puzzle Fighter HD
Puzzle Quest
Puzzle Quest Galactrix
Rez HD
Robotron: 2084
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
Spyglass Board Games
Super Meat Boy
Texas Hold 'Em
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Arcade
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled
TotemBall
Undertow
UNO
Yaris
Sony Playstation 3 (PS3)
Final Fantasy XIII
God of War Collection
God of War III Ultimate Edition
God of War Origins Collection
Heavy Rain
The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection
LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanet 2 Collector's Edition
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Limited Edition
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Limited Edition
SingStar
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Collector's Edition
Sony Playstation Network (original, downloadable titles)
Calling All Cars!
echochrome
flOw
Flower
High Velocity Bowling
Noby Noby Boy
PAIN
PixelJunk Eden
PixelJunk Monsters Encore
Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic
Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves
Super Stardust HD
WipEout HD
iOS (games for iPhone, iPad, or both)
Angry Birds
Angry Birds Rio
Angry Birds Seasons
Carcassonne
Casey's Contraptions
Catan
Civilization Revolution
Doodle Jump
Doodle Jump Christmas Special
Cut the Rope
Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift
Flight Control
Hanging with Friends
Infinity Blade
Jetpack Joyride
Mass Effect Galaxy
Minecraft: Pocket Edition
Ninjatown: Trees of Doom!
The Oregon Trail
Osmos
Passage
Pinball HD
Plants vs. Zombies
Pocket God
Rock Band
Slice It!
Strange Rain
Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP
Tilt to Live
Tiny Wings
Uzu
Where's My Water?
Words with Friends
World of Goo
Nintendo 3DS
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Pilotwings Resort
Nintendo 3DS eShop (downloadable titles: some original, some originally released on past systems)
3D Classics: Excitebike
Donkey Kong
Super Mario Land
PC
Deus Ex
Half-Life
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2: Episode One
Half-Life 2: Episode Two
Minecraft
Portal
Planescape: Torment
Team Fortress
Team Fortress 2
Current as of 11/30/11
Note: Downloadable titles are subject to some inaccuracy, as it is hard to keep up consistently with what titles I have downloaded and for what platform.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Chrono Trigger
EarthBound
Final Fantasy II (Final Fantasy IV under Japanese numbering of releases)
Final Fantasy III (Final Fantasy VI under Japanese numbering of releases)
Super Mario World
Nintendo Gameboy
Tetris
Nintendo Gameboy Color
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
Sony Playstation (PSX)
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Chrono Cross
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy Anthology
Final Fantasy Chronicles
Final Fantasy Origins
Final Fantasy Tactics
Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto: London
Grand Theft Auto 2
Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete
Medal of Honor
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions
Parasite Eve
Tomb Raider
Vagrant Story
Xenogears
Nintendo Gameboy Advance (GBA)
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls
Final Fantasy IV Advance
Final Fantasy V Advance
Final Fantasy VI Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: Four Swords
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Super Mario Advance
Super Mario Bros. 3: Super Mario Advance 4
Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!
Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3
Sony Playstation 2 (PS2)
Amplitude
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy XI Online
Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia
Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan
Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition
Frequency
God of War
God of War II
Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s
ICO
Katamari Damacy
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Limited Edition
Okami
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Rez
Shadow of the Colossus
SSX 3
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
Microsoft Xbox
Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo 2
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Sony Playstation Portable (PSP)
Dissidia Final Fantasy
Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy II
Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Lumines
Rock Band Unplugged
Wipeout Pure
Nintendo DS
Chrono Trigger
Elite Beat Agents
Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
Game & Watch Collection
Game & Watch Collection 2
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
Mario Kart DS
The World Ends with You
Nintendo DSiWare (downloadable titles for the DSi)
Alt-Play: Jason Rohrer Anthology
Flipnote Studio
Photo Dojo
WarioWare: Snapped!
Nintendo Wii
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Mario Kart Wii
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Punch-Out!!
Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Wii Fit Plus
Wii Sports
Wii Sports Resort
Nintendo Wii Virtual Console (downloadable titles originally released on past systems)
Bonk's Adventure
Castlevania
Chrono Trigger
Contra III: The Alien Wars
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Donkey Kong Jr.
Elevator Action
Excitebike
Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy II (Final Fantasy IV under Japanese numbering of releases)
F-Zero
F-Zero X
Final Fight
Galaga
Golden Axe
Gradius
Gunstar Heroes
Ice Hockey
Kid Icarus
Kirby's Adventure
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Mario Bros.
Mario Kart 64
Mega Man
Metroid
Military Madness
Milon's Secret Castle
Ninja Gaiden
Pac-Man
Paper Mario
Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
River City Ransom
Shining Force
Sonic the Hedgehog
Star Fox 64
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
Super Castlevania 4
Super Mario 64
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
Super Mario Kart
Super Mario World
Super Metroid
Tecmo Bowl
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Wave Race 64
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Nintendo WiiWare (downloadable titles made for the Wii)
Cave Story
Dr. Mario Online Rx
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Grill-off with Ultra Hand!
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 4: Dangeresque 3
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough
World of Goo
Microsoft Xbox 360
AC/DC Live Rock Band Track Pack
The Beatles: Rock Band
BioShock Limited Edition
BioShock 2 Special Edition
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Limited Collector's Edition
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition
Catherine
Child of Eden
Dance Central
Dance Central 2
DJ Hero: Renegade Edition
DJ Hero 2
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Collector's Edition
Fable II Limited Collector's Edition
Fable III Limited Collector's Edition
Fallout 3 Collector's Edition
Fallout: New Vegas Collector's Edition
Final Fantasy XI Online
Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess
Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Collection
Final Fantasy XIII
Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition
Halo 3 Legendary Edition
Halo 3: ODST
Halo: Reach Legendary Edition
Halo Wars Limited Edition
Kinect Adventures
L.A. Noire
Left 4 Dead 2
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Lego Rock Band
LOST: Via Domus
Mass Effect Limited Collector's Edition
Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition
The Orange Box
Portal 2
Red Dead Redemption Special Edition
Rock Band
Rock Band 2
Rock Band 3
Rock Band Country Track Pack
Microsoft Xbox Live Arcade (downloadable titles: some original, some originally released on past systems)
Aegis Wing
Alien Hominid HD
Bastion
Bionic Commando: Rearmed
Beyond Good & Evil HD
Braid
Call of Duty Classic
Carcassonne
Castle Crashers
Catan
Contra
Dash of Destruction
DIG DUG
Doritos Crash Course
Double Dragon
Every Extend Extra Extreme
Fable II Pub Games
Fruit Ninja Kinect
Full House Poker
Gauntlet
Geometry Wars
Hardwood Spades
Harm's Way
Hexic HD
Ikaruga
Limbo
Lumines Live!
Mega Man 9
Mega Man 10
Missile Command
Pac-Man
Pac-Man C.E.
Pac-Man C.E. DX
Peggle
Pinball FX
Pinball FX 2
Portal: Still Alive
Prince of Persia
Puzzle Fighter HD
Puzzle Quest
Puzzle Quest Galactrix
Rez HD
Robotron: 2084
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
Spyglass Board Games
Super Meat Boy
Texas Hold 'Em
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Arcade
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled
TotemBall
Undertow
UNO
Yaris
Sony Playstation 3 (PS3)
Final Fantasy XIII
God of War Collection
God of War III Ultimate Edition
God of War Origins Collection
Heavy Rain
The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection
LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanet 2 Collector's Edition
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Limited Edition
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Limited Edition
SingStar
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Collector's Edition
Sony Playstation Network (original, downloadable titles)
Calling All Cars!
echochrome
flOw
Flower
High Velocity Bowling
Noby Noby Boy
PAIN
PixelJunk Eden
PixelJunk Monsters Encore
Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic
Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves
Super Stardust HD
WipEout HD
iOS (games for iPhone, iPad, or both)
Angry Birds
Angry Birds Rio
Angry Birds Seasons
Carcassonne
Casey's Contraptions
Catan
Civilization Revolution
Doodle Jump
Doodle Jump Christmas Special
Cut the Rope
Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift
Flight Control
Hanging with Friends
Infinity Blade
Jetpack Joyride
Mass Effect Galaxy
Minecraft: Pocket Edition
Ninjatown: Trees of Doom!
The Oregon Trail
Osmos
Passage
Pinball HD
Plants vs. Zombies
Pocket God
Rock Band
Slice It!
Strange Rain
Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP
Tilt to Live
Tiny Wings
Uzu
Where's My Water?
Words with Friends
World of Goo
Nintendo 3DS
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Pilotwings Resort
Nintendo 3DS eShop (downloadable titles: some original, some originally released on past systems)
3D Classics: Excitebike
Donkey Kong
Super Mario Land
PC
Deus Ex
Half-Life
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2: Episode One
Half-Life 2: Episode Two
Minecraft
Portal
Planescape: Torment
Team Fortress
Team Fortress 2
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
My Top Ten Favorite Films of 2010
You've (the two of you have) waited, I've viewed, and now it's time for my film list. Like every year, it takes the early part of the new year in order for me to watch all of the films from the previous year that I wanted to see. While some have their "top ten" lists completed much earlier, I'm not one to produce such a list until I've experienced all of the contenders I wish to experience. As always, the rule for each of this year's "top" lists is that each item of media must have had an original American release date in 2010.
Something to keep in mind with these "Top Ten" lists is that the items appearing in them are my favorites and not necessarily the "best of..." from the standpoint of artistic merit within their respective categories. For example (from my album list), Crystal Castles (II) does not have as much pure artistic quality as Go. But I don't care. Although I consider everything I pick in these lists to be of high artistic quality, all are ranked in terms of personal enjoyment. And now for the traditional excursus.
EXCURSUS ON THE VIEWING OF R-RATED MOVIES:
If one were to do a little research on the films within this list as well as the films in the list of all the films I viewed this year, he or she would discover that several have been given the rating "R - Restricted" by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This, then, could quite naturally lead to the questioning of whether it is appropriate for a believer to view R-rated movies. As the reader is no doubt aware, some believers choose (based upon personal convictions) to avoid viewing any R-rated movies whatsoever.
The difference between such believers and myself is quite simple: they are willing to let the arbitrary and often politically motivated decisions of a group of (presumably) unbelievers determine whether or not they will see certain movies, while I will not allow such decisions to determine what films I see. Some, I'm sure, will disagree with my characterization of the MPAA and attempt to laud it as "not perfect, but the best barometer we have." Unfortunately, those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are arbitrary obviously have not seen enough films and those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are often politically motivated are woefully mired in a painful naiveté concerning the way Hollywood operates. The reality is not only that some PG-13 movies should be R (The Dark Knight, for a prominent example) and some R movies should be PG-13, but also that money and corporate "back-scratching" go a very long way in determining a movie's rating.
Because of these circumstances, I simply do not allow the MPAA to determine whether or not I see a film; I let God determine that. There is certainly much to be praised about researching a film's content before viewing it. I always do so in order to educate myself fully about the film and then allow the Holy Spirit to direct me in whether or not it is appropriate or beneficial viewing.
My point in saying all of this is that if you use the MPAA to determine whether or not you see a film, such a practice is certainly your prerogative, as is my practice of relying on case-by-case evaluation. But, please do not assume that my viewing of certain R-rated films is an accurate measuring stick to determine my level of spiritual maturity; likewise, please do not assume that my viewing of any R-rated film necessarily constitutes my endorsement of the film for viewing by every Christian. And with that, it is now time for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "Top Ten Favorite Films of 2010" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual films themselves or the characters, the dialogue, the actions, the theological implications, and/or the profanities/obscenities that are portrayed therein. Because both art and film as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these films or their contents are interpreted by the viewer/reader. Any conclusion (about the films themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the viewer/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Now, on to the show.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Films of 2010
10. 127 Hours
Based on the incredible true story of climber Aron Ralston, one might initially assume that 127 Hours would be an incredibly boring movie; after all, much of it is spent with James Franco being pinned by a boulder. However, Danny Boyle takes Ralston's story and turns the cinematic retelling of it into an interesting look into the psyche of a man who eventually must do whatever he must to survive. A film I want to watch multiple times? Probably not. A fine film nonetheless? Yes.
9. The Town
Ben Affleck is starting to come into his own as a director and it really shows with The Town. Taking an unflinching look at a young group of bank robbers from a Boston neighborhood that supposedly produces an obscene amount of bank robbers per year, The Town combines good cinematography with good acting to create a work that easily showcases the talent behind both.
8. True Grit
Coen brothers. Remake of True Grit. Need I go on? Okay, just one more thing: about a girl from Yell County, Arkansas, the county of which Danville, my hometown, is a county seat. How could I not watch this?
7. Winter's Bone
Winter's Bone was released right around the beginning of the summer, but it has stuck with me throughout the year. Telling the story of a young girl in the Ozarks who must find her missing father or lose the house in which she lives as the caretaker of her younger siblings, it presents the viewer with a gritty look at the clan-like structure of a mountain family who definitely has something to hide. The tension in the film is palpable throughout and expertly executed by director Debra Granik.
6. Toy Story 3
Ah, yes. Toy Story 3. How long was the span of time between Toy Story 2 and 3 ? Long enough for Andy to grow up and be ready to go to college, I suppose! I was glad to see Pixar come back to revisit the Toy Story characters for one last time. You've gotta hand it to them; Pixar undoubtedly knows how to create "kids" films with good plots that adults will enjoy as well. And for the record, Lotso is the best Pixar villain. Don't even begin to argue otherwise. :-)
5. Inception
I watched Inception three times this year. Or did I? While I'm convinced that there are some unresolvable logical inconsistencies in the plot (made more manifest upon each subsequent viewing), it's still easily one of the best films of 2010. I believe Christopher Nolan has to be one of the top five living directors in American cinema. Watch Inception and you'll see why.
4. Black Swan
Before I say anything more, let me first say that yes, there are some sexual scenes in this film, but they can be skipped easily (assuming you are watching on something with the capability to fast-forward) if you know where they are in advance. Undoubtedly, some of you are going to judge my inclusion of the film in my top list in spite of said scenes. That's your business. (EDIT FOR CLARIFICATION: I did not watch said scenes. I knew where they were in advance and closed my eyes during them.) Black Swan explores a young ballerina's obsession with perfection, an obsession that quite clearly is driving her insane. The entire film is great, but the final twenty minutes are where director Darren Aronofsky knocks it out of the park. Unbelievable.
3. The Ghost Writer
The Ghost Writer is a clever thriller that was, in my opinion, heavily underrated by critics this year. Regardless of what you think of Roman Polanski (I think he rightly deserves to be in jail for his admitted rape of a thirteen year-old girl many years ago), you cannot deny that this is a great film. I love suspense films that balance tension with the slow revelation of important information. The Ghost Writer does so masterfully from beginning to ingenious end.
2. The King's Speech
The King's Speech is based on the true story of England's King George VI and how he overcame his debilitating speech impediment with the help of a very unorthodox speech therapist. While that may initially seem like a boring premise for a film, Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush play their roles to perfection and what results is an eloquent film that serves to show what happens when historical dramas fully live up to their potential.
1. The Social Network
The year's best film is also my favorite. There is simply nothing lacking in The Social Network. First, you have a relevant premise that anchors the film firmly within our zeitgeist and facilitates its ability to serve as social commentary. Then you have an unbelievably well-written screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. Third, there is the masterful direction of David Fincher. Fourth, there are the outstanding performances by young actors. And lastly, there is the fact that the trailer uses a choral rendition of a Radiohead song. Er, well, technically the trailer is not the film, but whatever. The Social Network is an amazing film and one that fully deserves the Oscar for "Best Picture." "Matthew Millsap likes this." Unfortunately, given how the aged members of the Academy typically skew more towards traditional fare (read: The King's Speech ), The Social Network might not take home the award.
Films of 2010 I Viewed:
Leap Year
The Book of Eli
Dear John
Shutter Island
The Ghost Writer
Alice in Wonderland (3D)
Date Night
Iron Man 2 (IMAX)
Robin Hood
Winter's Bone
Toy Story 3 (3D)
Inception (IMAX)
The Other Guys
Eat Pray Love
The Expendables
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Machete
I'm Still Here
Catfish
The Town
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
The Social Network
Red
127 Hours
Morning Glory
Tangled (3D)
The King's Speech
Black Swan
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (3D)
The Fighter
Tron: Legacy (IMAX 3D)
True Grit
Something to keep in mind with these "Top Ten" lists is that the items appearing in them are my favorites and not necessarily the "best of..." from the standpoint of artistic merit within their respective categories. For example (from my album list), Crystal Castles (II) does not have as much pure artistic quality as Go. But I don't care. Although I consider everything I pick in these lists to be of high artistic quality, all are ranked in terms of personal enjoyment. And now for the traditional excursus.
EXCURSUS ON THE VIEWING OF R-RATED MOVIES:
If one were to do a little research on the films within this list as well as the films in the list of all the films I viewed this year, he or she would discover that several have been given the rating "R - Restricted" by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This, then, could quite naturally lead to the questioning of whether it is appropriate for a believer to view R-rated movies. As the reader is no doubt aware, some believers choose (based upon personal convictions) to avoid viewing any R-rated movies whatsoever.
The difference between such believers and myself is quite simple: they are willing to let the arbitrary and often politically motivated decisions of a group of (presumably) unbelievers determine whether or not they will see certain movies, while I will not allow such decisions to determine what films I see. Some, I'm sure, will disagree with my characterization of the MPAA and attempt to laud it as "not perfect, but the best barometer we have." Unfortunately, those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are arbitrary obviously have not seen enough films and those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are often politically motivated are woefully mired in a painful naiveté concerning the way Hollywood operates. The reality is not only that some PG-13 movies should be R (The Dark Knight, for a prominent example) and some R movies should be PG-13, but also that money and corporate "back-scratching" go a very long way in determining a movie's rating.
Because of these circumstances, I simply do not allow the MPAA to determine whether or not I see a film; I let God determine that. There is certainly much to be praised about researching a film's content before viewing it. I always do so in order to educate myself fully about the film and then allow the Holy Spirit to direct me in whether or not it is appropriate or beneficial viewing.
My point in saying all of this is that if you use the MPAA to determine whether or not you see a film, such a practice is certainly your prerogative, as is my practice of relying on case-by-case evaluation. But, please do not assume that my viewing of certain R-rated films is an accurate measuring stick to determine my level of spiritual maturity; likewise, please do not assume that my viewing of any R-rated film necessarily constitutes my endorsement of the film for viewing by every Christian. And with that, it is now time for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "Top Ten Favorite Films of 2010" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual films themselves or the characters, the dialogue, the actions, the theological implications, and/or the profanities/obscenities that are portrayed therein. Because both art and film as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these films or their contents are interpreted by the viewer/reader. Any conclusion (about the films themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the viewer/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Now, on to the show.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Films of 2010
10. 127 Hours
Based on the incredible true story of climber Aron Ralston, one might initially assume that 127 Hours would be an incredibly boring movie; after all, much of it is spent with James Franco being pinned by a boulder. However, Danny Boyle takes Ralston's story and turns the cinematic retelling of it into an interesting look into the psyche of a man who eventually must do whatever he must to survive. A film I want to watch multiple times? Probably not. A fine film nonetheless? Yes.
9. The Town
Ben Affleck is starting to come into his own as a director and it really shows with The Town. Taking an unflinching look at a young group of bank robbers from a Boston neighborhood that supposedly produces an obscene amount of bank robbers per year, The Town combines good cinematography with good acting to create a work that easily showcases the talent behind both.
8. True Grit
Coen brothers. Remake of True Grit. Need I go on? Okay, just one more thing: about a girl from Yell County, Arkansas, the county of which Danville, my hometown, is a county seat. How could I not watch this?
7. Winter's Bone
Winter's Bone was released right around the beginning of the summer, but it has stuck with me throughout the year. Telling the story of a young girl in the Ozarks who must find her missing father or lose the house in which she lives as the caretaker of her younger siblings, it presents the viewer with a gritty look at the clan-like structure of a mountain family who definitely has something to hide. The tension in the film is palpable throughout and expertly executed by director Debra Granik.
6. Toy Story 3
Ah, yes. Toy Story 3. How long was the span of time between Toy Story 2 and 3 ? Long enough for Andy to grow up and be ready to go to college, I suppose! I was glad to see Pixar come back to revisit the Toy Story characters for one last time. You've gotta hand it to them; Pixar undoubtedly knows how to create "kids" films with good plots that adults will enjoy as well. And for the record, Lotso is the best Pixar villain. Don't even begin to argue otherwise. :-)
5. Inception
I watched Inception three times this year. Or did I? While I'm convinced that there are some unresolvable logical inconsistencies in the plot (made more manifest upon each subsequent viewing), it's still easily one of the best films of 2010. I believe Christopher Nolan has to be one of the top five living directors in American cinema. Watch Inception and you'll see why.
4. Black Swan
Before I say anything more, let me first say that yes, there are some sexual scenes in this film, but they can be skipped easily (assuming you are watching on something with the capability to fast-forward) if you know where they are in advance. Undoubtedly, some of you are going to judge my inclusion of the film in my top list in spite of said scenes. That's your business. (EDIT FOR CLARIFICATION: I did not watch said scenes. I knew where they were in advance and closed my eyes during them.) Black Swan explores a young ballerina's obsession with perfection, an obsession that quite clearly is driving her insane. The entire film is great, but the final twenty minutes are where director Darren Aronofsky knocks it out of the park. Unbelievable.
3. The Ghost Writer
The Ghost Writer is a clever thriller that was, in my opinion, heavily underrated by critics this year. Regardless of what you think of Roman Polanski (I think he rightly deserves to be in jail for his admitted rape of a thirteen year-old girl many years ago), you cannot deny that this is a great film. I love suspense films that balance tension with the slow revelation of important information. The Ghost Writer does so masterfully from beginning to ingenious end.
2. The King's Speech
The King's Speech is based on the true story of England's King George VI and how he overcame his debilitating speech impediment with the help of a very unorthodox speech therapist. While that may initially seem like a boring premise for a film, Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush play their roles to perfection and what results is an eloquent film that serves to show what happens when historical dramas fully live up to their potential.
1. The Social Network
The year's best film is also my favorite. There is simply nothing lacking in The Social Network. First, you have a relevant premise that anchors the film firmly within our zeitgeist and facilitates its ability to serve as social commentary. Then you have an unbelievably well-written screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. Third, there is the masterful direction of David Fincher. Fourth, there are the outstanding performances by young actors. And lastly, there is the fact that the trailer uses a choral rendition of a Radiohead song. Er, well, technically the trailer is not the film, but whatever. The Social Network is an amazing film and one that fully deserves the Oscar for "Best Picture." "Matthew Millsap likes this." Unfortunately, given how the aged members of the Academy typically skew more towards traditional fare (read: The King's Speech ), The Social Network might not take home the award.
Films of 2010 I Viewed:
Leap Year
The Book of Eli
Dear John
Shutter Island
The Ghost Writer
Alice in Wonderland (3D)
Date Night
Iron Man 2 (IMAX)
Robin Hood
Winter's Bone
Toy Story 3 (3D)
Inception (IMAX)
The Other Guys
Eat Pray Love
The Expendables
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Machete
I'm Still Here
Catfish
The Town
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
The Social Network
Red
127 Hours
Morning Glory
Tangled (3D)
The King's Speech
Black Swan
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (3D)
The Fighter
Tron: Legacy (IMAX 3D)
True Grit
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Films of 2010 I've Viewed
Well, it's 2010 now, so I guess I'll have to do a 2010 version of last year's continually updated post!
Normally, I'd put one of my disclaimers up for a post like this, but I'll forgo the verbose assault, as that's all been hashed out on this blog before. BOTTOM LINE: I don't endorse anyone seeing any of these films, no matter what the rating. Whether or not you watch a certain film is between you and the Holy Spirit. Capiche? And if you want to try to infer my level of spiritual maturity by what films I've viewed, that's your waste of time, not mine.
I'll keep this updated as we approach the eventual terminus of 2010. All movies are listed in order of release date. As expected, the only qualification is that the film had an original release date in 2010. Try to guess which ones were my choices and which ones were Susan's. :-)
Leap Year
The Book of Eli
Dear John
Shutter Island
The Ghost Writer
Alice in Wonderland (3D)
Date Night
Iron Man 2 (IMAX)
Robin Hood
Winter's Bone
Toy Story 3 (3D)
Inception (IMAX)
The Other Guys
Eat Pray Love
The Expendables
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Machete
I'm Still Here
Catfish
The Town
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
The Social Network
Red
127 Hours
Morning Glory
Tangled (3D)
The King's Speech
Black Swan
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (3D)
The Fighter
Tron: Legacy (IMAX 3D)
True Grit
Normally, I'd put one of my disclaimers up for a post like this, but I'll forgo the verbose assault, as that's all been hashed out on this blog before. BOTTOM LINE: I don't endorse anyone seeing any of these films, no matter what the rating. Whether or not you watch a certain film is between you and the Holy Spirit. Capiche? And if you want to try to infer my level of spiritual maturity by what films I've viewed, that's your waste of time, not mine.
I'll keep this updated as we approach the eventual terminus of 2010. All movies are listed in order of release date. As expected, the only qualification is that the film had an original release date in 2010. Try to guess which ones were my choices and which ones were Susan's. :-)
Leap Year
The Book of Eli
Dear John
Shutter Island
The Ghost Writer
Alice in Wonderland (3D)
Date Night
Iron Man 2 (IMAX)
Robin Hood
Winter's Bone
Toy Story 3 (3D)
Inception (IMAX)
The Other Guys
Eat Pray Love
The Expendables
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Machete
I'm Still Here
Catfish
The Town
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
The Social Network
Red
127 Hours
Morning Glory
Tangled (3D)
The King's Speech
Black Swan
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (3D)
The Fighter
Tron: Legacy (IMAX 3D)
True Grit
Sunday, December 26, 2010
My Top Ten Favorite Video Games of 2010
Continuing on from my album list, we now have my "Top Ten Favorite Video Games." My "Top Ten Favorite Films" list won't be ready until not long after the first of the new year, so look for it then. While I won't provide comments on this video game list, I will provide them on the film list. As always, the rule for each of my "Top Ten" lists is that each item must have had an original release date in 2010.
Something to keep in mind with these "Top Ten" lists is that the items appearing in them are my favorites and not necessarily the "best of..." from the standpoint of artistic merit within their respective categories. For example (from my album list), Crystal Castles (II) does not have as much pure artistic quality as Go. But I don't care. Although I consider everything I pick in these lists to be of high artistic quality, all are ranked in terms of personal enjoyment. And now for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "Top Ten Favorite Video Games of 2010" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual video games themselves, their contents, the theological implications of said contents, and/or any potential profanities/obscenities contained therein. Because both art and video games as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these video games or their contents are interpreted by the player/reader. Any conclusion (about the video games themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the player/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Video Games of 2010
10. Kirby's Epic Yarn by Good-Feel and HAL Laboratory for the Nintendo Wii
9. BioShock 2 by 2K Marin for the Xbox 360
8. Epic Mickey by Junction Point Studios for the Nintendo Wii
7. Halo: Reach by Bungie for the Xbox 360
6. Rock Band 3 by Harmonix Music Systems for the Xbox 360
5. Final Fantasy XIII by Square-Enix for the Xbox 360
4. God of War III by Sony Santa Monica for the Playstation 3
3. Mass Effect 2 by BioWare for the Xbox 360
2. Super Mario Galaxy 2 by Nintendo for the Nintendo Wii
1. Red Dead Redemption by Rockstar San Diego for the Xbox 360
Something to keep in mind with these "Top Ten" lists is that the items appearing in them are my favorites and not necessarily the "best of..." from the standpoint of artistic merit within their respective categories. For example (from my album list), Crystal Castles (II) does not have as much pure artistic quality as Go. But I don't care. Although I consider everything I pick in these lists to be of high artistic quality, all are ranked in terms of personal enjoyment. And now for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "Top Ten Favorite Video Games of 2010" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual video games themselves, their contents, the theological implications of said contents, and/or any potential profanities/obscenities contained therein. Because both art and video games as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these video games or their contents are interpreted by the player/reader. Any conclusion (about the video games themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the player/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Video Games of 2010
10. Kirby's Epic Yarn by Good-Feel and HAL Laboratory for the Nintendo Wii
9. BioShock 2 by 2K Marin for the Xbox 360
8. Epic Mickey by Junction Point Studios for the Nintendo Wii
7. Halo: Reach by Bungie for the Xbox 360
6. Rock Band 3 by Harmonix Music Systems for the Xbox 360
5. Final Fantasy XIII by Square-Enix for the Xbox 360
4. God of War III by Sony Santa Monica for the Playstation 3
3. Mass Effect 2 by BioWare for the Xbox 360
2. Super Mario Galaxy 2 by Nintendo for the Nintendo Wii
1. Red Dead Redemption by Rockstar San Diego for the Xbox 360
Thursday, December 23, 2010
My Top Ten Favorite Albums of 2010
Although it's a bit earlier than when I usually begin, it's end-of-the-year "Top Ten" list time! The two of you who follow this infrequently updated blog know this is something of a tradition, so I will do my best not to disappoint. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm addicted to "Top Ten" lists. We'll start with my "Top Ten Favorite Albums," followed by my "Top Ten Favorite Video Games," with my "Top Ten Favorite Films" coming not long after the new year has begun. While I won't provide comments on my album list or video game list, I will provide them on the film list. As always, the rule for each of my "Top Ten" lists is that each item must have had an original release date in 2010.
Something to keep in mind with these "Top Ten" lists is that the items appearing in them are my favorites and not necessarily the "best of..." from the standpoint of artistic merit within their respective categories. For example (from this list), Crystal Castles (II) does not have as much pure artistic quality as Go. But I don't care. Although I consider everything I pick in these lists to be of high artistic quality, all are ranked in terms of personal enjoyment. And now for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "Top Ten Favorite Albums of 2010" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual albums themselves, their lyrics, the theological implications of said lyrics, and/or any potential profanities/obscenities contained therein. Because both art and music as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these albums or their contents are interpreted by the listener/reader. Any conclusion (about the albums themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the listener/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Albums of 2010
10. TRON: Legacy by Daft Punk
9. Broken Bells by Broken Bells
8. Plastic Beach by Gorillaz
7. Go by Jónsi
6. Crystal Castles (II) by Crystal Castles
5. This Is Happening by LCD Soundsystem
4. Teen Dream by Beach House
3. High Violet by The National
2. The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy* by Kanye West
*Edited Version
Something to keep in mind with these "Top Ten" lists is that the items appearing in them are my favorites and not necessarily the "best of..." from the standpoint of artistic merit within their respective categories. For example (from this list), Crystal Castles (II) does not have as much pure artistic quality as Go. But I don't care. Although I consider everything I pick in these lists to be of high artistic quality, all are ranked in terms of personal enjoyment. And now for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "Top Ten Favorite Albums of 2010" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual albums themselves, their lyrics, the theological implications of said lyrics, and/or any potential profanities/obscenities contained therein. Because both art and music as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these albums or their contents are interpreted by the listener/reader. Any conclusion (about the albums themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the listener/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Albums of 2010
10. TRON: Legacy by Daft Punk
9. Broken Bells by Broken Bells
8. Plastic Beach by Gorillaz
7. Go by Jónsi
6. Crystal Castles (II) by Crystal Castles
5. This Is Happening by LCD Soundsystem
4. Teen Dream by Beach House
3. High Violet by The National
2. The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy* by Kanye West
*Edited Version
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Yearly Reading List
Time is something of which we all wish we had more. Those of us who are avid readers undoubtedly have a stack of books we want to read but have not found the time to read. Perhaps it is not a stretch to say that anyone who claims to be an avid reader and does not have such a stack is not really an avid reader. Still, in the midst of reading books we are forced to read and new books we read for pleasure, there always remain "old friends" to whom we repeatedly return.
This is a list of such old friends. This list is comprised of both fiction and nonfiction books that I try to read on a yearly basis. Note that I said I "TRY" to read them annually. Do I ever make it through all of them in a year? No, and I probably never will. Do I always make it through some of them? Absolutely.
If you are an avid reader and don't have a list like this, I suggest you make one. Whether you already have one or have to make one, once you have it, share it with me! I'm always on the lookout for books that bibliophiles think are their favorites.
Fiction (in no particular order)
1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Obviously, these two go together, so there is no argument there. This is and (in my opinion) will remain the greatest fictional story ever told. Hands down.
2. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Watchmen is unquestionably the greatest graphic novel ever made. It's so good, in fact, that it was the only graphic novel to make TIME magazine's "100 best English-Language novels from 1923 to [2005]" list.
3. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Obviously, this has been a classic for quite some time. I went with the MacAndrew translation since it is often the standard. For those of you who are well-read in both Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, I'd be interested in your thoughts on whether The Brothers Karamazov is the best novel between the two writers and, if not, which novel is.
4. Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli
A graphic novel with Dionysian vs. Apollonian undertones about an architecture professor's journey of self-discovery? Sign me up! Seriously, though, this is a true masterpiece. Bring your thinking cap, knowledge of Orpheus, and a dictionary.
5. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
Not as good as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but still excellent. Can being transported to Narnia on a yearly basis ever get old? I think not.
6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Forfeit my "man card," you say? Hardly. Pride and Prejudice is a classic for a reason and it also just so happens to contain some of the best dialogue ever put into English. It's tragic that I've wanted to reread this for ten years, but have never gotten around to it. That needs to be rectified.
7. The Stand by Stephen King
This is Stephen King's magnum opus. What more do I need to say than that?
8. One of William Shakespeare's comedies, one of his tragedies, and one of his histories
Pretty much all you'll need for this is The Oxford Shakespeare: The Complete Works. Why would you not want to read one of the greatest writers in the English language?
Nonfiction(in no particular order)
1. The Bible
Obviously.
2. Confessions by Augustine
Despite what you might initially think, the personal confessions of one of the heroes of the faith is one of the most beneficial things you will ever read as a Christian.
3. The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott
This is perhaps the best book on the atonement ever written. Not too academic, but not light reading, either. Another beneficial book for all believers.
4. On the Incarnation of the Word by Athanasius
I would be remiss if I included in this list a modern book on the atonement without also including one of the most important ancient treatises on the subject as well. This should be required reading for every Christian.
5. On Writing by Stephen King
Speaking of required reading, this should be required reading for all seminarians. I'm serious, professors. You guys get on that. :-) Non-seminarians who still plan on writing anything? Yup, required reading for you as well.
6. Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
One of the greatest expositions on what it means to follow Christ in modern times.
7. Why I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects by Bertrand Russell
I read this occasionally to re-familiarize myself with common modern objections to Christianity. Plus, it helps that Russell is quite an entertaining writer. Many of the objections he raises have been addressed and/or refuted by philosophers, but it's still worth reading.
This is a list of such old friends. This list is comprised of both fiction and nonfiction books that I try to read on a yearly basis. Note that I said I "TRY" to read them annually. Do I ever make it through all of them in a year? No, and I probably never will. Do I always make it through some of them? Absolutely.
If you are an avid reader and don't have a list like this, I suggest you make one. Whether you already have one or have to make one, once you have it, share it with me! I'm always on the lookout for books that bibliophiles think are their favorites.
Fiction (in no particular order)
1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Obviously, these two go together, so there is no argument there. This is and (in my opinion) will remain the greatest fictional story ever told. Hands down.
2. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Watchmen is unquestionably the greatest graphic novel ever made. It's so good, in fact, that it was the only graphic novel to make TIME magazine's "100 best English-Language novels from 1923 to [2005]" list.
3. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Obviously, this has been a classic for quite some time. I went with the MacAndrew translation since it is often the standard. For those of you who are well-read in both Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, I'd be interested in your thoughts on whether The Brothers Karamazov is the best novel between the two writers and, if not, which novel is.
4. Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli
A graphic novel with Dionysian vs. Apollonian undertones about an architecture professor's journey of self-discovery? Sign me up! Seriously, though, this is a true masterpiece. Bring your thinking cap, knowledge of Orpheus, and a dictionary.
5. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
Not as good as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but still excellent. Can being transported to Narnia on a yearly basis ever get old? I think not.
6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Forfeit my "man card," you say? Hardly. Pride and Prejudice is a classic for a reason and it also just so happens to contain some of the best dialogue ever put into English. It's tragic that I've wanted to reread this for ten years, but have never gotten around to it. That needs to be rectified.
7. The Stand by Stephen King
This is Stephen King's magnum opus. What more do I need to say than that?
8. One of William Shakespeare's comedies, one of his tragedies, and one of his histories
Pretty much all you'll need for this is The Oxford Shakespeare: The Complete Works. Why would you not want to read one of the greatest writers in the English language?
Nonfiction(in no particular order)
1. The Bible
Obviously.
2. Confessions by Augustine
Despite what you might initially think, the personal confessions of one of the heroes of the faith is one of the most beneficial things you will ever read as a Christian.
3. The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott
This is perhaps the best book on the atonement ever written. Not too academic, but not light reading, either. Another beneficial book for all believers.
4. On the Incarnation of the Word by Athanasius
I would be remiss if I included in this list a modern book on the atonement without also including one of the most important ancient treatises on the subject as well. This should be required reading for every Christian.
5. On Writing by Stephen King
Speaking of required reading, this should be required reading for all seminarians. I'm serious, professors. You guys get on that. :-) Non-seminarians who still plan on writing anything? Yup, required reading for you as well.
6. Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
One of the greatest expositions on what it means to follow Christ in modern times.
7. Why I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects by Bertrand Russell
I read this occasionally to re-familiarize myself with common modern objections to Christianity. Plus, it helps that Russell is quite an entertaining writer. Many of the objections he raises have been addressed and/or refuted by philosophers, but it's still worth reading.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Athanasian Aggro
Many of you know I am a PhD student in theology. Many of you also know that I am a lifelong gamer. As I was preparing for my upcoming comprehensive exams, I was jokingly thinking about what it might sound like if I attempted to answer questions on the exam in gaming terms. Here's a sample of what I came up with:
"Proponents of true Christology obtained an epic win at the Council of Nicaea when they fragged Arius' faulty theology. Arius had previously told his cohorts prior to the council, 'We need more heteroousian DPS, more heteroousian DPS!" but alas, the members of his guild caught major aggro from Athanasius and simply could not deliver in the heat of battle."
"Proponents of true Christology obtained an epic win at the Council of Nicaea when they fragged Arius' faulty theology. Arius had previously told his cohorts prior to the council, 'We need more heteroousian DPS, more heteroousian DPS!" but alas, the members of his guild caught major aggro from Athanasius and simply could not deliver in the heat of battle."
Sunday, March 07, 2010
My Oscar Picks
The Oscars are tonight, so I thought I'd share my picks for who I think will win. My picks will be marked with asterisks. Following the Awards tonight, I'll update this post with the winners by marking them in bold. Let's see how I do. :-)
Actor in a Leading Role
*Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart"*
George Clooney in "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth in "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman in "Invictus"
Jeremy Renner in "The Hurt Locker"
Actor in a Supporting Role
Matt Damon in "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson in "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer in "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci in "The Lovely Bones"
*Christoph Waltz in "Inglourious Basterds"*
Actress in a Leading Role
*Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side"*
Helen Mirren in "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan in "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia"
Actress in a Supporting Role
Penélope Cruz in "Nine"
Vera Farmiga in "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Crazy Heart"
Anna Kendrick in "Up in the Air"
*Mo’Nique in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"*
Animated Feature Film
"Coraline" Henry Selick
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" Wes Anderson
"The Princess and the Frog" John Musker and Ron Clements
"The Secret of Kells" Tomm Moore
*"Up" Pete Docter*
Art Direction
*"Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair*
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith
"Nine" Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
"Sherlock Holmes" Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
"The Young Victoria" Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray
Cinematography
*"Avatar" Mauro Fiore*
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Bruno Delbonnel
"The Hurt Locker" Barry Ackroyd
"Inglourious Basterds" Robert Richardson
"The White Ribbon" Christian Berger
Costume Design
"Bright Star" Janet Patterson
"Coco before Chanel" Catherine Leterrier
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Monique Prudhomme
"Nine" Colleen Atwood
*"The Young Victoria" Sandy Powell*
Directing
"Avatar" James Cameron
*"The Hurt Locker" Kathryn Bigelow*
"Inglourious Basterds" Quentin Tarantino
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Lee Daniels
"Up in the Air" Jason Reitman
Documentary (Feature)
"Burma VJ" Anders Østergaard and Lise Lense-Møller
*"The Cove" Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens*
"Food, Inc." Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers" Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
"Which Way Home" Rebecca Cammisa
Documentary (Short Subject)
*"China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province" Jon Alpert and Matthew O’Neill*
"The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner" Daniel Junge and Henry Ansbacher
"The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant" Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert
"Music by Prudence" Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett
"Rabbit à la Berlin" Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra
Film Editing
*"Avatar" Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron*
"District 9" Julian Clarke
"The Hurt Locker" Bob Murawski and Chris Innis
"Inglourious Basterds" Sally Menke
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Joe Klotz
Foreign Language Film
"Ajami" Israel
"The Milk of Sorrow (La Teta Asustada)" Peru
"A Prophet (Un Prophète)" France
"The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos)" Argentina
*"The White Ribbon (Das Weisse Band)" Germany*
Makeup
"Il Divo" Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
*"Star Trek" Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow*
"The Young Victoria" Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore
Music (Original Score)
"Avatar" James Horner
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" Alexandre Desplat
"The Hurt Locker" Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
"Sherlock Holmes" Hans Zimmer
*"Up" Michael Giacchino*
Music (Original Song)
"Almost There" from "The Princess and the Frog" Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess and the Frog" Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"Loin de Paname" from "Paris 36" Music by Reinhardt Wagner Lyric by Frank Thomas
"Take It All" from "Nine" Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston
*"The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)" from "Crazy Heart" Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett*
Best Picture
"Avatar" James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers
"The Blind Side" Gil Netter, Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson, Producers
"District 9" Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham, Producers
"An Education" Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers
*"The Hurt Locker" Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro, Producers*
"Inglourious Basterds" Lawrence Bender, Producer
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness, Producers
"A Serious Man" Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Producers
"Up" Jonas Rivera, Producer
"Up in the Air" Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman, Producers
Short Film (Animated)
"French Roast" Fabrice O. Joubert
"Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty" Nicky Phelan and Darragh O’Connell
"The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)" Javier Recio Gracia
"Logorama" Nicolas Schmerkin
*"A Matter of Loaf and Death" Nick Park*
Short Film (Live Action)
*"The Door" Juanita Wilson and James Flynn*
"Instead of Abracadabra" Patrik Eklund and Mathias Fjellström
"Kavi" Gregg Helvey
"Miracle Fish" Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey
"The New Tenants" Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson
Sound Editing
*"Avatar" Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle*
"The Hurt Locker" Paul N.J. Ottosson
"Inglourious Basterds" Wylie Stateman
"Star Trek" Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
"Up" Michael Silvers and Tom Myers
Sound Mixing
*"Avatar" Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson and Tony Johnson*
"The Hurt Locker" Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett
"Inglourious Basterds" Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti and Mark Ulano
"Star Trek" Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson and Peter J. Devlin
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson
Visual Effects
*"Avatar" Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones*
"District 9" Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken
"Star Trek" Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
"District 9" Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
"An Education" Screenplay by Nick Hornby
"In the Loop" Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
*"Up in the Air" Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner*
Writing (Original Screenplay)
"The Hurt Locker" Written by Mark Boal
*"Inglourious Basterds" Written by Quentin Tarantino*
"The Messenger" Written by Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman
"A Serious Man" Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
"Up" Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy
Actor in a Leading Role
*Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart"*
George Clooney in "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth in "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman in "Invictus"
Jeremy Renner in "The Hurt Locker"
Actor in a Supporting Role
Matt Damon in "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson in "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer in "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci in "The Lovely Bones"
*Christoph Waltz in "Inglourious Basterds"*
Actress in a Leading Role
*Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side"*
Helen Mirren in "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan in "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia"
Actress in a Supporting Role
Penélope Cruz in "Nine"
Vera Farmiga in "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Crazy Heart"
Anna Kendrick in "Up in the Air"
*Mo’Nique in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"*
Animated Feature Film
"Coraline" Henry Selick
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" Wes Anderson
"The Princess and the Frog" John Musker and Ron Clements
"The Secret of Kells" Tomm Moore
*"Up" Pete Docter*
Art Direction
*"Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair*
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith
"Nine" Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
"Sherlock Holmes" Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
"The Young Victoria" Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray
Cinematography
*"Avatar" Mauro Fiore*
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Bruno Delbonnel
"The Hurt Locker" Barry Ackroyd
"Inglourious Basterds" Robert Richardson
"The White Ribbon" Christian Berger
Costume Design
"Bright Star" Janet Patterson
"Coco before Chanel" Catherine Leterrier
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Monique Prudhomme
"Nine" Colleen Atwood
*"The Young Victoria" Sandy Powell*
Directing
"Avatar" James Cameron
*"The Hurt Locker" Kathryn Bigelow*
"Inglourious Basterds" Quentin Tarantino
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Lee Daniels
"Up in the Air" Jason Reitman
Documentary (Feature)
"Burma VJ" Anders Østergaard and Lise Lense-Møller
*"The Cove" Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens*
"Food, Inc." Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers" Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
"Which Way Home" Rebecca Cammisa
Documentary (Short Subject)
*"China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province" Jon Alpert and Matthew O’Neill*
"The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner" Daniel Junge and Henry Ansbacher
"The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant" Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert
"Music by Prudence" Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett
"Rabbit à la Berlin" Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra
Film Editing
*"Avatar" Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron*
"District 9" Julian Clarke
"The Hurt Locker" Bob Murawski and Chris Innis
"Inglourious Basterds" Sally Menke
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Joe Klotz
Foreign Language Film
"Ajami" Israel
"The Milk of Sorrow (La Teta Asustada)" Peru
"A Prophet (Un Prophète)" France
"The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos)" Argentina
*"The White Ribbon (Das Weisse Band)" Germany*
Makeup
"Il Divo" Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
*"Star Trek" Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow*
"The Young Victoria" Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore
Music (Original Score)
"Avatar" James Horner
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" Alexandre Desplat
"The Hurt Locker" Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
"Sherlock Holmes" Hans Zimmer
*"Up" Michael Giacchino*
Music (Original Song)
"Almost There" from "The Princess and the Frog" Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess and the Frog" Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"Loin de Paname" from "Paris 36" Music by Reinhardt Wagner Lyric by Frank Thomas
"Take It All" from "Nine" Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston
*"The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)" from "Crazy Heart" Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett*
Best Picture
"Avatar" James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers
"The Blind Side" Gil Netter, Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson, Producers
"District 9" Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham, Producers
"An Education" Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers
*"The Hurt Locker" Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro, Producers*
"Inglourious Basterds" Lawrence Bender, Producer
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness, Producers
"A Serious Man" Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Producers
"Up" Jonas Rivera, Producer
"Up in the Air" Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman, Producers
Short Film (Animated)
"French Roast" Fabrice O. Joubert
"Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty" Nicky Phelan and Darragh O’Connell
"The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)" Javier Recio Gracia
"Logorama" Nicolas Schmerkin
*"A Matter of Loaf and Death" Nick Park*
Short Film (Live Action)
*"The Door" Juanita Wilson and James Flynn*
"Instead of Abracadabra" Patrik Eklund and Mathias Fjellström
"Kavi" Gregg Helvey
"Miracle Fish" Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey
"The New Tenants" Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson
Sound Editing
*"Avatar" Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle*
"The Hurt Locker" Paul N.J. Ottosson
"Inglourious Basterds" Wylie Stateman
"Star Trek" Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
"Up" Michael Silvers and Tom Myers
Sound Mixing
*"Avatar" Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson and Tony Johnson*
"The Hurt Locker" Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett
"Inglourious Basterds" Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti and Mark Ulano
"Star Trek" Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson and Peter J. Devlin
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson
Visual Effects
*"Avatar" Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones*
"District 9" Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken
"Star Trek" Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
"District 9" Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
"An Education" Screenplay by Nick Hornby
"In the Loop" Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
*"Up in the Air" Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner*
Writing (Original Screenplay)
"The Hurt Locker" Written by Mark Boal
*"Inglourious Basterds" Written by Quentin Tarantino*
"The Messenger" Written by Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman
"A Serious Man" Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
"Up" Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
My Top Ten Favorite Television Shows of All Time
I was recently asked what my favorite television shows of all time were, so I have produced this list. Note that these are not what I would consider to be the "best television shows of all time" in the sense of looking at them from a pure, production quality standpoint. That is not to say that none of them fit that bill, however, because some of them certainly are the best of all time. Still, these are my favorites--the ten shows that have provided me with the most enjoyment out of watching television. If you feel like letting me know your own, please do so.
10. The Adventures of Pete & Pete
Believe it or not, there once was a time when kids were actually intelligent and were able to grasp maturely immature (yes, that oxymoron means exactly what I intended) humor. The Adventures of Pete & Pete was a television show from that time. Sure, there were only three seasons of it, but that was mostly due to the fact that Nickelodeon quickly realized they could make more money from advertisers by peddling inferior rubbish to children than from keeping quality like Pete & Pete on the air. Gone were smart shows like Pete & Pete and in came the forerunners for the drivel that populates that network today.
9. Batman: The Animated Series
Speaking of mature shows for kids, here is Batman: The Animated Series. Not only is it, in my opinion, the greatest animated series ever made, but it was almost always smartly written and even emotionally moving at times. Batman did what few animated children's shows have ever done: it made viewers think by dipping down into the psyche of a man haunted by his past who, at the same time, tries to live up to what he believes he should be as a result of said past. And how many animated children's shows go that deep?
8. MacGyver
I'll be honest--MacGyver was my hero when I was growing up. I mean, the guy's a genius, he always knew cool ways to get out of tight situations and he rocked what may be the coolest mullet ever while repeatedly stopping the evil machinations of baddies worldwide, all without using guns. What's not to love?
7. Fringe
Yes, I know that Fringe is only in its second season, but it still has become one of my all-time faves. While definitely drawing on The X-Files for creative inspiration, the reason why it is on this list and The X-Files is not is simply because Fringe has not had the chance to derail itself yet. And let's all be honest; The X-Files derailed itself. Badly. Perhaps even unforgivably. Assuming Fringe does not, it will stay on this list. Too weird, freaky, and macabre for some, but just right for me. And who doesn't love a good battle between two alternate realities?
6. Firefly
You're going to notice a bit of a trend from here on out: Joss Whedon shows. I am unashamedly a Whedon fanboy (I like to think that genius recognizes genius ;-P). Firefly was Whedon's follow-up to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and never had the chance it deserved due to Fox's clear lack of support for the show. The network executives at Fox messed with the pilot, changed the ordering of some episodes, stuck the show in a horrible time slot, and barely promoted it. How can a show succeed like that? Hence, only one season of Firefly was ever produced, but man, was it good. An outer space Western? You better believe it. And a fine television show at that.
5. Arrested Development
Arrested Development was a comedy that was critically acclaimed (it won several Emmys), but barely watched. As is often the case in the land of television, there are shows that many people will not watch because they would rather watch more popular fare. Arrested Development suffered this fate, which is a shame because I can guarantee you that it was funnier than 98% of the comedies that have ever been on television. And better written. What passes as comedy on television, for the most part, is laugh track junk catered specifically to a populace with dumbed-down tastes. After all, if all you ever eat is hamburgers, eventually you get to the point where you have no desire at all for a USDA prime steak.
4. Dollhouse
(Fox is incredibly strict about their property showing up on YouTube, so in lieu of the opening sequence, here is a fan-made promo.)
Dollhouse was another Whedon show (ironically on Fox after the Firefly debacle) that was never given the chance it should have been given. From the beginning, Fox stepped in and had Whedon redo the pilot, gave the show poor marketing, and stuck it in the Friday night time slot of death. What was especially unfortunate about all of this was that Dollhouse was arguably one of the most intelligent shows on television during 2009. One reviewer even went so far as to call it, "more intellectually demanding than LOST." While I would argue that each is intellectually demanding in different areas, the fact remains that the show undoubtedly was for the thinking man (or woman). Fox used Eliza Dushku's attractiveness to market the show to young men (read: frat boys) and in doing so, they effectively ensured the show's demise. Frat boy may likey good looking girl and action sequences, but frat boy no likey having to think. Sure, the show had action, but what the show did was ask the viewer to examine the human condition and end up with a decidedly negative realization. The majority of those to whom the show was marketed were simply unwilling to do so.
As for Whedon's predispositions with the show, he may be an atheist, but he is at least right, in that he operates under the assumption that humanity is totally depraved. And with Dollhouse , he asked a major anthropological question: if you can, with advanced technology, wipe away the memories and personality of someone and implant new ones in him or her, have you wiped away his or her soul? Too sci-fi for you? It'll never happen? Hmmm... I'm sure the anthropological, theological, and ethical implications of human cloning were probably a bit too sci-fi for people back in the 1980s as well. :-)
3. La Femme Nikita
(WARNING: If you watch these opening credits all the way to the season five credits, some of the plot may be spoiled as to which characters remain throughout the series.)
24, 24, 24. Everyone loves 24, don't they? Before 24, its creators, Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, created its superior progenitor, La Femme Nikita : the story of a woman who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, falsely accused and convicted of murder, and was recruited in prison by a mysterious counterterrorist group known as Section One. Forced to work in an organization that operates under a strict "the ends justify the means" mentality, she quickly realizes that the consequence for refusing to work or attempting to escape is death. The show, for the most part, deals with her struggles as she unwillingly carries out the demands of the organization, even if they are for the greater good.
The show is brilliantly written, brilliantly acted, and brilliantly shot. It certainly has a European feel to it, which is probably explained by the fact that it was filmed and produced in Canada. And just as an aside, in the episode, "Four Light Years Farther," there is what I consider to be the most ingenious emotional moment in television history. But that's just the icing on the cake. Watch your 24 (don't get me wrong; it's a good show), but once you've finished your milk, move on to some solid food. :-)
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy is, in my opinion, the most cleverly written show in television history. It has humor, it has gravitas, it has romance, it has well-crafted stories...in short, it has it all. It even has what Entertainment Weekly once declared to be what might be considered the best hour in television history, the episode, "The Body." "But isn't that a show about a girl who kills vampires?" you ask. "How can that be of high quality?" Well, Joss Whedon knows pop culture, he knows how to provide commentary on pop culture through his characters, he knows how to write exceptional dialogue, and he knows how to arc storylines over a given amount of episodes to make everything fit together well. He has a narrative mindset, which is a rare talent these days, especially considering the number of popular shows today that seem to just wander aimlessly or repeat storylines ad nauseum. Sure, Buffy may have had some missteps along the way like many a television show. No show is perfect. But Buffy sure comes pretty close.
1. LOST
There has never been anything on television like LOST before and there never will be again. Need I say more? :-)
10. The Adventures of Pete & Pete
Believe it or not, there once was a time when kids were actually intelligent and were able to grasp maturely immature (yes, that oxymoron means exactly what I intended) humor. The Adventures of Pete & Pete was a television show from that time. Sure, there were only three seasons of it, but that was mostly due to the fact that Nickelodeon quickly realized they could make more money from advertisers by peddling inferior rubbish to children than from keeping quality like Pete & Pete on the air. Gone were smart shows like Pete & Pete and in came the forerunners for the drivel that populates that network today.
9. Batman: The Animated Series
Speaking of mature shows for kids, here is Batman: The Animated Series. Not only is it, in my opinion, the greatest animated series ever made, but it was almost always smartly written and even emotionally moving at times. Batman did what few animated children's shows have ever done: it made viewers think by dipping down into the psyche of a man haunted by his past who, at the same time, tries to live up to what he believes he should be as a result of said past. And how many animated children's shows go that deep?
8. MacGyver
I'll be honest--MacGyver was my hero when I was growing up. I mean, the guy's a genius, he always knew cool ways to get out of tight situations and he rocked what may be the coolest mullet ever while repeatedly stopping the evil machinations of baddies worldwide, all without using guns. What's not to love?
7. Fringe
Yes, I know that Fringe is only in its second season, but it still has become one of my all-time faves. While definitely drawing on The X-Files for creative inspiration, the reason why it is on this list and The X-Files is not is simply because Fringe has not had the chance to derail itself yet. And let's all be honest; The X-Files derailed itself. Badly. Perhaps even unforgivably. Assuming Fringe does not, it will stay on this list. Too weird, freaky, and macabre for some, but just right for me. And who doesn't love a good battle between two alternate realities?
6. Firefly
You're going to notice a bit of a trend from here on out: Joss Whedon shows. I am unashamedly a Whedon fanboy (I like to think that genius recognizes genius ;-P). Firefly was Whedon's follow-up to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and never had the chance it deserved due to Fox's clear lack of support for the show. The network executives at Fox messed with the pilot, changed the ordering of some episodes, stuck the show in a horrible time slot, and barely promoted it. How can a show succeed like that? Hence, only one season of Firefly was ever produced, but man, was it good. An outer space Western? You better believe it. And a fine television show at that.
5. Arrested Development
Arrested Development was a comedy that was critically acclaimed (it won several Emmys), but barely watched. As is often the case in the land of television, there are shows that many people will not watch because they would rather watch more popular fare. Arrested Development suffered this fate, which is a shame because I can guarantee you that it was funnier than 98% of the comedies that have ever been on television. And better written. What passes as comedy on television, for the most part, is laugh track junk catered specifically to a populace with dumbed-down tastes. After all, if all you ever eat is hamburgers, eventually you get to the point where you have no desire at all for a USDA prime steak.
4. Dollhouse
(Fox is incredibly strict about their property showing up on YouTube, so in lieu of the opening sequence, here is a fan-made promo.)
Dollhouse was another Whedon show (ironically on Fox after the Firefly debacle) that was never given the chance it should have been given. From the beginning, Fox stepped in and had Whedon redo the pilot, gave the show poor marketing, and stuck it in the Friday night time slot of death. What was especially unfortunate about all of this was that Dollhouse was arguably one of the most intelligent shows on television during 2009. One reviewer even went so far as to call it, "more intellectually demanding than LOST." While I would argue that each is intellectually demanding in different areas, the fact remains that the show undoubtedly was for the thinking man (or woman). Fox used Eliza Dushku's attractiveness to market the show to young men (read: frat boys) and in doing so, they effectively ensured the show's demise. Frat boy may likey good looking girl and action sequences, but frat boy no likey having to think. Sure, the show had action, but what the show did was ask the viewer to examine the human condition and end up with a decidedly negative realization. The majority of those to whom the show was marketed were simply unwilling to do so.
As for Whedon's predispositions with the show, he may be an atheist, but he is at least right, in that he operates under the assumption that humanity is totally depraved. And with Dollhouse , he asked a major anthropological question: if you can, with advanced technology, wipe away the memories and personality of someone and implant new ones in him or her, have you wiped away his or her soul? Too sci-fi for you? It'll never happen? Hmmm... I'm sure the anthropological, theological, and ethical implications of human cloning were probably a bit too sci-fi for people back in the 1980s as well. :-)
3. La Femme Nikita
(WARNING: If you watch these opening credits all the way to the season five credits, some of the plot may be spoiled as to which characters remain throughout the series.)
24, 24, 24. Everyone loves 24, don't they? Before 24, its creators, Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, created its superior progenitor, La Femme Nikita : the story of a woman who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, falsely accused and convicted of murder, and was recruited in prison by a mysterious counterterrorist group known as Section One. Forced to work in an organization that operates under a strict "the ends justify the means" mentality, she quickly realizes that the consequence for refusing to work or attempting to escape is death. The show, for the most part, deals with her struggles as she unwillingly carries out the demands of the organization, even if they are for the greater good.
The show is brilliantly written, brilliantly acted, and brilliantly shot. It certainly has a European feel to it, which is probably explained by the fact that it was filmed and produced in Canada. And just as an aside, in the episode, "Four Light Years Farther," there is what I consider to be the most ingenious emotional moment in television history. But that's just the icing on the cake. Watch your 24 (don't get me wrong; it's a good show), but once you've finished your milk, move on to some solid food. :-)
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy is, in my opinion, the most cleverly written show in television history. It has humor, it has gravitas, it has romance, it has well-crafted stories...in short, it has it all. It even has what Entertainment Weekly once declared to be what might be considered the best hour in television history, the episode, "The Body." "But isn't that a show about a girl who kills vampires?" you ask. "How can that be of high quality?" Well, Joss Whedon knows pop culture, he knows how to provide commentary on pop culture through his characters, he knows how to write exceptional dialogue, and he knows how to arc storylines over a given amount of episodes to make everything fit together well. He has a narrative mindset, which is a rare talent these days, especially considering the number of popular shows today that seem to just wander aimlessly or repeat storylines ad nauseum. Sure, Buffy may have had some missteps along the way like many a television show. No show is perfect. But Buffy sure comes pretty close.
1. LOST
There has never been anything on television like LOST before and there never will be again. Need I say more? :-)
Monday, March 01, 2010
Television Shows of which I Have Seen Every Episode
EDIT (3/1/10): Updated once again.
I thought it would be fun to list out the television shows of which I have seen every episode (or for a show still in-progress, every episode up to its last ending point) and to ask my fellow bloggers to post their own. Again, only every episode counts. No "all but one or two" and please also designate shows that are still in-progress.
(in alphabetical order)
The Adventures of Pete and Pete
Angel
Arrested Development
Batman: The Animated Series
Breaking Bad (show still in-progress)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Closer (show still in-progress)
Dark Skies
Dollhouse
Duckman
Firefly
FlashForward (show still in-progress)
Fringe (show still in-progress)
Gargoyles
James Bond Jr.
La Femme Nikita
LOST (show still in-progress)
MacGyver
Mythbusters (show still in-progress)
The Pretender
Profiler
Salute Your Shorts
Survivor (show still in-progress)
The Tomorrow People (1992-1995 version)
I thought it would be fun to list out the television shows of which I have seen every episode (or for a show still in-progress, every episode up to its last ending point) and to ask my fellow bloggers to post their own. Again, only every episode counts. No "all but one or two" and please also designate shows that are still in-progress.
(in alphabetical order)
The Adventures of Pete and Pete
Angel
Arrested Development
Batman: The Animated Series
Breaking Bad (show still in-progress)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Closer (show still in-progress)
Dark Skies
Dollhouse
Duckman
Firefly
FlashForward (show still in-progress)
Fringe (show still in-progress)
Gargoyles
James Bond Jr.
La Femme Nikita
LOST (show still in-progress)
MacGyver
Mythbusters (show still in-progress)
The Pretender
Profiler
Salute Your Shorts
Survivor (show still in-progress)
The Tomorrow People (1992-1995 version)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The Believer, Apple, and "Technolust"
As you are probably aware if you follow Internet news, Apple is set to hold a press event tomorrow, during which they are likely to announce their new tablet computer. Indeed, the Internet has been abuzz over Apple's newest technological marvel for quite some time, with speculation that Apple might be working on a tablet computer going at least back to the beginning of 2009. Apple is no stranger to such speculation, as since the very first iPod was unveiled, rumors have run rampant regarding new iterations of the device as well as of Apple's other popular products like the Mac and iPhone.
When one combines buzz, speculation, and the amazing propensity of today's consumer to be utterly transfixed by whatever idea Apple thinks up next, he has a recipe for a wallet-draining cocktail that is imbibed with an astounding regularity by a seemingly parched American public. One need look no further than to the thousands of Americans who queued for many hours back in June in order to get their hands on Apple's latest version of the iPhone, even though the majority of said persons already owned the previous version that served their needs adequately. Call it the "grass is greener..." effect. Humans may not be bovines, but they certainly can act like them at times.
For some Americans like Xavier Yaffar, such impulsive behavior stemming from an equally impulsive attitude is no problem at all. In a recent CNN article, he was quoted as saying that when it comes to buying new Apple products, "I don't even have to look at it." Mr. Yaffar is not alone in this stance. Thousands of Americans have an infatuation not only with technology in general, but with Apple products in particular. The CNN article itself references the "Cult" of Apple in its title and even as I am typing this post, Internet personality, Sarah Lane, has just tweeted, "Would it be at all possible to stop incessantly talking about the Tablet for 24 hrs?" Clearly, Apple fans are treating the possible announcement of Apple's tablet as though the world has stopped until tomorrow's press event has ended.
As believers, however, we must take a long, hard look at technology and reject the worldly attitude that the latest technological innovation is the "end all, be all" for our lives or that our lives are somehow deficient if we do not possess whatever latest device comes down the pipeline. This is not to say that technology is inherently evil. I'm not saying that at all. Rather, the point is that far too many Christians are caught up in "technolust" and are letting technology rule over them rather than the reverse.
As believers, we must understand that ultimately, technology is a tool. A tool for daily living and productivity? Yes. But technology is also a tool at the believer's disposal for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we let technology control us, when we find ourselves addicted to whatever tools we possess for kingdom purposes, we have done nothing short than set up them up as idols to which we are bowing down. Even if the believer does not intentionally worship technology, if he is so consumed with it that it controls his every thought or influences his every action, there is a serious spiritual problem afoot.
For instance, can Twitter be used for the glory of God? Absolutely. And it has. But there is a considerable difference between Twitter being used for the glory of God and a believer being so inundated with Twitter's influence that he feels as though he cannot go more than thirty minutes without checking tweets, for fear of missing something. That is being ruled by technology rather than the other way around.
But let's apply this back to Apple, shall we? Whatever Apple's forthcoming tablet is, whatever it does, it is nonetheless a technological tool and nothing more. Even if the tablet exists primarily for entertainment purposes, it is still a tool. Why? Because it is intended to meet a need (or want): in that particular case, entertainment. But as I am sitting here typing this post, there are literally thousands of people scouring the Internet, looking for whatever informative morsel might have fallen off of Apple's dining table. The tablet is no tool to them; it is, in effect, sustenance. Things no doubt will be even worse tomorrow when thousands simply stop working until Apple's press event has finished and the next technological messiah has been revealed.
These same people will be the ones who immediately decide that their lives will be incomplete without Apple's tablet, will pine for it until it is in their hands, and basically will restructure their whole lives around obtaining the tablet and using it. Yet the irony is that, unlike the crowds who thronged around Jesus for healing, the maladies these technological addicts suffer are entirely a matter of their own perception.
Still, flock to their latest messiah they will and the world will once again salivate with an almost Pavlovian response to whatever Apple tells us we simply must have. The question to technologically-oriented believers is, "Will you?"
When one combines buzz, speculation, and the amazing propensity of today's consumer to be utterly transfixed by whatever idea Apple thinks up next, he has a recipe for a wallet-draining cocktail that is imbibed with an astounding regularity by a seemingly parched American public. One need look no further than to the thousands of Americans who queued for many hours back in June in order to get their hands on Apple's latest version of the iPhone, even though the majority of said persons already owned the previous version that served their needs adequately. Call it the "grass is greener..." effect. Humans may not be bovines, but they certainly can act like them at times.
For some Americans like Xavier Yaffar, such impulsive behavior stemming from an equally impulsive attitude is no problem at all. In a recent CNN article, he was quoted as saying that when it comes to buying new Apple products, "I don't even have to look at it." Mr. Yaffar is not alone in this stance. Thousands of Americans have an infatuation not only with technology in general, but with Apple products in particular. The CNN article itself references the "Cult" of Apple in its title and even as I am typing this post, Internet personality, Sarah Lane, has just tweeted, "Would it be at all possible to stop incessantly talking about the Tablet for 24 hrs?" Clearly, Apple fans are treating the possible announcement of Apple's tablet as though the world has stopped until tomorrow's press event has ended.
As believers, however, we must take a long, hard look at technology and reject the worldly attitude that the latest technological innovation is the "end all, be all" for our lives or that our lives are somehow deficient if we do not possess whatever latest device comes down the pipeline. This is not to say that technology is inherently evil. I'm not saying that at all. Rather, the point is that far too many Christians are caught up in "technolust" and are letting technology rule over them rather than the reverse.
As believers, we must understand that ultimately, technology is a tool. A tool for daily living and productivity? Yes. But technology is also a tool at the believer's disposal for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we let technology control us, when we find ourselves addicted to whatever tools we possess for kingdom purposes, we have done nothing short than set up them up as idols to which we are bowing down. Even if the believer does not intentionally worship technology, if he is so consumed with it that it controls his every thought or influences his every action, there is a serious spiritual problem afoot.
For instance, can Twitter be used for the glory of God? Absolutely. And it has. But there is a considerable difference between Twitter being used for the glory of God and a believer being so inundated with Twitter's influence that he feels as though he cannot go more than thirty minutes without checking tweets, for fear of missing something. That is being ruled by technology rather than the other way around.
But let's apply this back to Apple, shall we? Whatever Apple's forthcoming tablet is, whatever it does, it is nonetheless a technological tool and nothing more. Even if the tablet exists primarily for entertainment purposes, it is still a tool. Why? Because it is intended to meet a need (or want): in that particular case, entertainment. But as I am sitting here typing this post, there are literally thousands of people scouring the Internet, looking for whatever informative morsel might have fallen off of Apple's dining table. The tablet is no tool to them; it is, in effect, sustenance. Things no doubt will be even worse tomorrow when thousands simply stop working until Apple's press event has finished and the next technological messiah has been revealed.
These same people will be the ones who immediately decide that their lives will be incomplete without Apple's tablet, will pine for it until it is in their hands, and basically will restructure their whole lives around obtaining the tablet and using it. Yet the irony is that, unlike the crowds who thronged around Jesus for healing, the maladies these technological addicts suffer are entirely a matter of their own perception.
Still, flock to their latest messiah they will and the world will once again salivate with an almost Pavlovian response to whatever Apple tells us we simply must have. The question to technologically-oriented believers is, "Will you?"
